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Following lukewarm response to its 2006 surrender-cum-rehabilitation policy for Maoists,the Orissa government is set to unveil a new surrender policy,under which it plans to give a cash prize of Rs 20 lakh each to top three Maoists operating inside the states borders if they surrender. In case they are arrested,the prize money would be given to the informants.

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Police officials in the anti-Naxal wing said the government had identified Manoj alias Modem Balakrishna (central panel member in-charge of Orissa State Organising Committee),Akkiraju Haragopal alias Ramakrishna alias RK (central committee member and secretary,Andhra-Odisha Border Special Zonal Committee) and Sabyasachi Panda alias Sunil (secretary,Orissa State Organising Committee) for the Rs 20 lakh prize. At least 36 others have also been identified for surrender who will get Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 20 lakh.

The policy is expected to be given a go-ahead in a day or two, said a senior police officer. While neighbouring Andhra Pradesh offers Rs 12 lakh for surrender/arrest of top Maoists,Chhattisgarh offers Rs 7 lakh for this.

In June 2006,Orissa had launched a surrender policy for the Maoists offering them sops like bank loans,housing plots and loans for marriage. Officials said the old policy failed because banks refused to give loan to the rebels without collaterals.

The offer

Then

* Rs 10,000 cash prize

* Homestead land up to 4 decimals

* House building grant up to Rs 25,000

* Assistance of Rs 15,000 for marriage

* Bank loan up to Rs 2 lakh for self-employment

Now

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* Cash prize of Rs 20 lakh each to top 3 Maoists surrendering; If arrested,money goes to informants

* Additional assistance of Rs 2.5 lakh and homestead land (equivalent amount if land not available)